Though Roethlisberger was technically "questionable" per coach Mike Tomlin's injury update Tuesday, the idea of him playing was insane. Jay Glazer of Fox Sports first reported he woudln't take the field.

That's not surprising either, but the Steelers would be crazy to listen to him. This seems even more true when you consider there are reports, first from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, that Roethlisberger has a potentially dangerous rib injury. This injury is reportedly more concerning to the Steelers than the one to Roethlisberger's shoulder, although it went unmentioned by Tomlin during his conference.

So sitting him is the smart thing to do: There was concern about Roethlisberger being out a lengthy amount of time and the notion of him playing a week after injuring the SC joint in his throwing arm is insane. Roethlisberger can withstand pain about as well as anyone, but rushing him out there for the first of two Baltimore games in the next three weeks isn't a good idea.

The Steelers can keep their heads above water with either Batch or Leftwich under center, thanks primarily to their two-game lead in the wild-card race. Catching the Ravens now seems much less likely, but it's not out of the question if Roethlisberger can return -- in full health and effectiveness -- for the second Ravens game in Week 13.

That would entail doing the smart thing and keeping Ben on the sidelines for the next two weeks in order to maximize his recovery time. The Steelers are at least reportedly taking the first step.